SVR General Discussion

I’ve no idea about the numbers regarding the pubs, but it’s been mentioned to me from various sources that whilst the railway might not be operational they do contribute to its running.
Certainly when Kidderminster are at home the K&C is very popular.

 

There is a world of difference between what attracts folk to (steam) enthusiast events which at best are less than 10 days each year and what is an extra draw on routine steam services. The big/attractive loco thing lasts no more than a few days on the latter if at all (F Scotsman excepted).
That said one thing which has not been tried in recent times is themed motive power/rolling stock days using the normal timetable. For example would more folk turn up on particular days if the rostered locos and stock were say planned to be all GW? That is something which normally the SV would be able to provide (other themes are available but must fit the available resources without additional cost to make any sense).

 

I really don’t think this is a bad idea, others have mentioned doing something with 4930 and the Western Set, 13268 and the LMS set and dare I say it 34027 and the teaks (Gresley and Bulleid)
I certainly think it’s something to be explored,
Maybe a conversation with those at the Black Country museum or Blists Hill needs to be had?

 

An attraction to get more bookings.
Also, added authenticity in terms of a re- creation and education, a point others have made.
For example, I booked an extra day at the last Autumn Gala to follow the Goods by train on its travels.
Perhaps the goods trains might have been better pre publicised with more explanation? ( No cricicism, just a thought like everything else I've said) Not many of us remember when loose-coupled goods trains were ubiquitous. I got the impression many younger visitors were a bit mystified. The shunting and coupling at Arley in particular was complex and entertaining, and I took many pictures.

For similar reasons, I also booked full weekends at the GCR Working Railway Gala, at the ELRs L&YR/LNWR Merger Event (the wife too for that one) and at the ELRs second L&YR Event with Ann, 52044 and the 2 Pugs. IMHO those were the best preserved railway events I've ever attended, the last being the best of all!

Won't attract quite the crowds of a Sir Nigel or Scotsman visit perhaps, but a different market to keep people coming back.

 

Your an enthusiast though how do we get Joe and Josephine Normal (and their little ones) from Stourbridge to come along and watch the shunting?

Although I suppose if you have everyone miked up with head pieces and loudspeakers explaining what they’re doing it could work?

 

A pertinent question. The suggestion might not work, but it points at the difference between SVR and Black Country museum. Interpreting history for the visitors is essential if you’re a 16mile linear musem

 

I'm not sure I'd talk to Blists Hill, it seems to on something of a downward trend, iron-casting paused, rolling mill out of use possibly forever. The miking up works, I've seen it chain-making at the black country museum and at glass blowing on the IoW. Not sure it would safety acceptable for the shunters to be miked. Maybe a commentator on a limited-range radio frequency las at test matches and airshows

"And you join us at Arley for what promises to be a fine morning's shunting, and I'm joined by our expert Fred Scoggins former international shunter"
"Pleasure to be here, Brian..."

 

Assuming the overhaul was funded by outside donation not by the railway as these over haul to tend to start going over the original budget figure. The standard 4 tank maybe of even more use but they both are likely to require a lot of work which is going to cost money the company does not have.

 

I would really love to know if anyone from the current board or management have had a chat with the BCM or Blists Hill, (I’m sure there’s someone in Ironbridge who could maybe give an honest critique about what they’d do in the current situation)

 

Oh come on, Having Roy Keane and Micha Richards do the commentary could be good fun…

 

Or Beamish? Not been post-Covid but mightily impressed on previous visits by their recreation of the past and their ability to get local people involved. The early railway re-creation is startling when in action. Seemed to be a lot of money behind it.
But serms full of ideas, worth picking up hopefully.

 

Seems to be very popular with Baggies fans on match days too. Mores the pity

 

Your one of them! urgh

 

New DVD available now!!




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The K1 was named in response to public opinion that members of the public liked named locos and 62005 has been permanently based in Fort William for the last couple of decades - its name reflects this. 45407 was named having posed as 'The Glasgow Highlander' not long after Mr Riley purchased it. This name went down very well with the public & Mr Riley decided to name it permanently and chose a name as a homage to his home county, but in the spirit of other named 5s. Like 62005 it has become a fixture at Fort William, with the other 2 5s tending to alternate.
Last year was exceptional in having all 3 black 5s up there, due to the overhaul of 62005.

 

Don't assume - I am actually in charge of the running of a bar at a stadium.

I don't mean somebody in charge at any said time on a premises, I mean if the railway needs to save money, then one person overlooking the whole SVR catering operation - pubs, Engine House, SV Suite, on-train dining etc, would do this.

 

The only things a farmer needs out of that list is a vet and an accountant, heritage railways are not comparable though, they rely heavily on volunteers and a lot of the key positions in many railways are filled by retired people with the necessary expertise. The fact that some have become big multi million pound businesses seems to have blinded them to the talent they have within their ranks

 

62005 thankfully hasn’t carried its nameplate for some years

 

Big engines only really draw the crowds for enthusiast events. The general public are less bothered in that respect as long as it is a steam loco.

 

I'd be fascinated to see the effect on a farmer if the farm's payroll weren't correct, or they had a machinery accident in circumstances not covered by their H&S policies, or if they couldn't manage casual labour for seasonal peaks. And for many farms, their diversification means that they have things like media or online presence to consider.

These are tasks, not roles, and there are a number of ways they can be fulfilled.